Five Lakh pilgrims expected in Barsana for Radhashtami

Barsana, 2015.09.20 (Times of India): Barsana (Mathura district): On September 21, Radha, lord Krishna’s divine consort, devotees from across the world will celebrate her birthday as Radhastmi.

Over five lakh pilgrims, both Indian and foreign national, are expected to visit to Barsana, famous for its Lathmar Holi.

Even though people flock to the temple in Barsana, Radha was born 30km away in Raval, the village which has been adopted by Mathura MP Hema Malini for development under the MPs adopt-a-village scheme.

The district administration anticipating the record crowd has been working overtime to ensure pilgrims have a smooth and hassle-free time in the temple town.

Mathura district magistrate Rajesh Kumar said: “We have made elaborate security arrangements, CCTV cameras have been installed, new railings have been installed to climb up to the main temple, which sits atop a hill. Cleanliness and sanitation standards will be higher and traffic will be regulated.”

More than 150 sanitary workers have been engaged to keep Barsana clean. DM Kumar added: “The administrative machinery was being assisted by Braj Ujjawal, an NGO which did a good job at Goverdhan fair for over 40 days, which will provide mobile toilets and ensure cleanliness.

Anant Sharma, a key functionary of Braj Ujjwal, said: “We will put in all our resources to ensure the pilgrims get the best possible facilities. We are not only providing back up services to support municipal sanitation staff, but are also engaged in green projects in the Braj region.”

Officials said pilgrims will be allowed to go up the temple in batches to avoid a stampede. The town will get uninterrupted electricity supply and water tankers will be available for the pilgrims. New parking slots have been developed for people coming from Haryana and Delhi.

Speaking about the security arrangements for the Radhastmi, SSP Rakesh Kumar said: “There would be enough security personnel to regulate traffic and keep an eye on criminal and anti-social elements.”